Kids Orthodontics

Start early, our kid-friendly care makes healthy smiles easy and future fixes smaller!

The Magic Age is 7

Bringing your child to the orthodontist around age 7 can make a world of difference for their smile and your peace of mind. Early evaluations allow us to catch potential issues before they become bigger problems, making orthodontic care less expensive, less invasive, and far more time-efficient.

What Happens at 7

At age 7, the front four permanent teeth are starting to come in. That means we can predict how the rest of the teeth will come in and provide an outlook for future orthodontic needs.

And depending on the individual child’s needs, we can even use some pre-emptive treatment that can help:

  • Avoid having permanent teeth pulled

  • Shorten overall orthodontic treatment

  • Prevent asymmetric growth

  • Sidestep orthodontic treatment entirely

  • Save money

Interceptive Orthodontics

Often, interceptive treatment involves using an appliance like an arch expander or other growth-focused tools to gently create more space in the mouth or adjust jaw alignment. This extra space allows permanent teeth to come in properly, setting the stage for a smoother, less intensive orthodontic journey later on. It’s all about making future treatment easier and more comfortable for your child!

Treatments started at this stage are often simpler and easier for both kids and parents, setting the foundation for long-term success. By starting early, you’re giving your child the best chance at a confident, healthy smile—without the hassle down the road.

Kids Orthodontic Evaluation

  • Bite Alignment: Assessing how the upper and lower teeth fit together to identify issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites, which can impact chewing, speaking, and overall jaw development.

  • Jaw Growth and Position: Monitoring the growth and alignment of the jaws to ensure they are developing symmetrically and providing enough space for permanent teeth.

  • Eruption Patterns: Checking the development and eruption of permanent teeth to catch any delays, missing teeth, or crowding early for timely intervention.

Frequently asked questions

When should my child first visit an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. At this age, we can identify potential issues early and determine if treatment might be needed now or in the future.

Why is early orthodontic treatment important?

Early treatment helps address problems like crowding, misalignment, or jaw issues before they become more complicated. It can make future treatment easier, faster, and less expensive while promoting healthy development of your child’s teeth and jaw.

Will my child need braces right away?

Not necessarily! Many kids don’t need braces immediately. Early visits are more about monitoring growth and planning for the best time to start treatment if it’s needed. If intervention is required, it’s often less invasive and more effective when started early.

Orthodontics is for everyone.

Get started with a free in-person or virtual consultation today.